Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper):This is the most common of all cat diseases and is extremely contagious. It can spread through air, contact with infected animals or even contact with places infected animals have been. There are a variety of symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or an intense desire for water. The disease has a high mortality rate, particularly in kittens. Some older cats that recover from the disease never fully regain health.

Calicivirus: One of the upper respiratory viruses, Calicivirus can cause fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge and ulcers in the mouth and tongue. The latter can pave the way for bacteria to enter the system which can cause pneumonia. Mortality rate is low. The disease most severely affects kittens and debilitated older cats.

Rhinotracheitis: This is a very contagious disease that causes sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, eye inflammation and nasal discharge. Few deaths are noted in adult cats; in kittens, however, the death rate is about 50%. Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus often occur together.

Feline Leukemia FeLV is one of the leading causes of death among cats. The virus causes various problems such as immunosuppression, chronic anemia, leukemia and tumors, some of which lead to death. Cats are most commonly exposed through contact with infected cats. Cats that are allowed to roam or those in multi-cat households are more likely to contract the virus. They can also be born with the virus or become exposed by an infected mother. FeLV is spread through the feces, urine, saliva or blood of an infected cat.

Rabies: One of the most feared diseases, rabies is virtually always fatal. It attacks the brain and central nervous system. The virus affects all mammals including humans. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most often by a bite wound. Most states require by law that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, and some areas require that cats be vaccinated as well. In the past several years, more cases of feline rabies have been reported than canine. It's crucial to vaccinate all cats against rabies, even those who are supposed to stay inside!

VACCINATIONS:

RCP: This vaccine helps give immunity against Panleukopenia, Calicivirus and Rhinotracheitis. It is generally given initially at 8 weeks, followed by boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. (Remember that kittens are not fully protected until they've had their final vaccines in the series.) The vaccine should then be boostered in year one and year three, then every three years thereafter. This schedule allows us to minimize the number of vaccines given in a single visit, while still providing optimal protection.

FeLV: This vaccine gives some immunity against Feline Leukemia. The vaccine is generally given at 12 and 16 weeks, followed by yearly boosters.

Rabies: This vaccine is given at 16 weeks of age and then boostered one year later. Thereafter the vaccine should be boostered every three years in Sacramento. (County and state regulations may vary.)